Shaan Meeda – A practice retention midwife explains how supporting newly qualified midwives in her job has a massive impact on the experience of the patient.
As part of its marking of the NHS 75th anniversary, NHS England has collected staff stories from among its workforce to highlight some of the people who make the health service what it is.
These include 17 members of nursing staff. NHS England has kindly given permission to Nursing Times to republish their stories.
Name and job title
Shaan Meeda, practice retention midwife, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – Buckinghamshire.
When did you start in the NHS?
I started at Milton Keynes University Hospital in 2012 as a student, and October 2015 as a qualified midwife.
Why did you choose to work in the NHS?
I chose to be a midwife and work within the NHS because I enjoy looking after people.
It was only when I started working within the organisation that I realised the impact the NHS has on patients and staff, and that we have the platform to support change and ensure the experience patients have is positive and the care we provide is safe.
Describe what you do in 100 words
I support our newly qualified midwives throughout their preceptorship period, which is a structured period of transition from being a student to newly qualified practitioner.
Preceptorship helps new health professionals to translate and embed their knowledge into practice.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Supporting newly qualified midwives in the clinical areas and giving them the tools and encouragement to succeed.
I have a great sense of job satisfaction, particularly when individuals achieve something they thought they couldn’t.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
Do your research, talk to staff and attend career days to ensure you are fully informed about the job role you are interested in. And if it is – do it!
The NHS has allowed me to flourish and develop personally and professionally. I still love working as a midwife nearly eight years on.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Irreplaceable.
- You can find more NHS staff stories, plus volunteer stories and retirement fellowship stories on the NHS England website